ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

Job Description and Duties

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), Employment Advocacy and Prosecution Team (EAPT) assists in investigations into employee misconduct, advises on disciplinary decisions, and pursues disciplinary actions on behalf of CDCR. In addition, EAPT litigates requests to file charges with the State Personnel Board (SPB), appeals to the SPB, or whistleblower complaints before the SPB, and defends or prosecutes petitions for writs of administrative mandamus before the superior and appellate courts. EAPT works with highly sensitive and confidential information and requires employees to maintain strict confidentiality.

Under supervision and direction of the EAPT Chief Deputy General Counsel (CDGC) and Assistant CDGC, the Assistant Chief Counsel supervises, directs, and manages the work of EAPT Vertical Advocates, who represent the best interests of CDCR throughout the adverse action process, as well as providing legal support to CDCR on employee discipline matters and matters related to CDCR's internal affairs investigations.

This advertisement is for an Attorney, Assistant Chief CounseI position located out of the EAPT office in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County.  This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Human Resources Technology System
The California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (CDCR) Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides the applicant access to real-time updates throughout the hiring process.

HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application’s progress. Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from View email address on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account.

For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition (JR) 4510.

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email on their applications. 

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 4.62% reduction in pay in exchange for eight (8) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through October 31, 2026. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.

See Essential Functions attached to the Duty Statement.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The Office of Legal Affairs provides a secure access facility with complimentary parking and is situated in Rancho Cucamonga within the 91731 zip code. At the time of appointment, the successful candidate may be required to work out of their headquarters office in accordance with the current Governor's executive orders.

Telework
Hybrid telework schedules may be available for employees who can satisfactorily perform their essential work functions independently and remotely in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. Telework is only available to California state residents who reside in and remain in the state.

Travel
On occasion, travel may be necessary to a CDCR institution or location throughout the state for site inspections or interviews, State Personnel Board appearances, and court appearances, among other things. Days of work may include any day of the week, and hours may include non-standard business hours.

• $900 monthly pay differential 
• Hybrid Telework
• Laptop and cell phone provided
• Free on-site parking

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) active California State Bar Membership License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hire.

• The position(s) require(s) an activie California Driver's License or the ability to obtain transportation to sites throughout the state.

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at .

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting prior to appointment.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to .

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

1. Experience supervising subordinate employees.

2. Experience analyzing and resolving complex legal issues.

3. Experience leading or mentoring attorneys. 

4. Experience working with and resolving issues with opposing counsel, oversight agencies, or internal stakeholders.

5. Experience with trials or evidentiary hearings in state or federal court or before administrative agencies, or with writs or appeals to the Superior Court or to Courts of Appeal. 
6. Knowledge or experience with laws related to the investigation and discipline of peace officers.

7. Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, , and the CalPERS website, .

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at .

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at .

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at .

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Statement of Qualifications

In four pages or less using 12-point font, double-spacing, and one-inch margins, describe your experience and how you meet the first six desirable qualifications. Include your name on the first page. State the desirable qualification in numerical order and respond with your answer. Do not provide a single narrative response.

Failure to follow the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) formatting instructions will result in disqualification of the application process.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - A writing sample demonstrating your ability to apply law to facts. Preferred samples include a brief filed in a court or administrative agency, or a memorandum analyzing a legal issue. Appropriate redactions are acceptable.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered . Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for specific requirements.